People who actually went to see her as Belle were more than impressed (sorry, not the commenters from here on youtube) and talks highly of Toni's vocals and acting skills, they say she made history.. so sad and jealous I was not there, judging from this obviously I would have fainted........Toni is everything
oda soy marujillo Toni Braxton was hesitant about playing Belle so Alan Menken and Tim Rice wrote that song for her. Rice promised he would write her a new song if she agreed to play Belle.
No matter what people think of Toni's portrayal of Belle, I'm glad she was cast, because thanks to that casting we got this amazing song. I can't imagine the musical without it. It's my favourite 'new' song written for the musical.
I saw her as Belle on Broadway not knowing what to expect. As it turned out, she was fantastic. The thing that impressed me the most was how she toned down her tendency to embellish the melodies in her R&B recordings and sang the melodies as written with some judicious additions. I didn’t know that she was as good a musician as she showed in her performance. I saw B&TB with 5 different Belles and she was the best.
2:37 reminded me of Whitney a bit. That tone! Toni ate this up! She fit perfectly in this song! Every choice she made felt so intentional and felt so emotional. I felt every word! The growl even felt raw and guttural and made belle even more real for me! The control she showed here was masterful!
Have any of the people who are saying her tone isn't what you would expect for Belle heard the timbre of all the other Belles? They all had rich warm full voices that were different from the norm. Literally, every Belle on Broadway has had a really unique and unusual voice and Toni as Belle is no different. She has all the qualities of a Belle Voice plus the virtuosity of a pop vocalist which just allows her to add so many colors to the delivery. While I am more partial to an acting approach as a musical theater performer, I understand that pop singing is more about conveying emotion through the use of the voice as an instrument (riffing, tone, pronunciation of words, deviations from the melody) and I see Toni doing that masterfully here. Also, because it's been so normalized you may not have known, but saying that she has bad diction, or that the riffing has no place in a Disney musical, or sexualizing the way she is singing the song ("Belle's a countryside girl from a fairy-tale, not a late-night singer at the saloon.") is racist and shows ignorance and a basic lack of understanding of anything outside of white mainstream culture and the cultural degradation of black art. The problem Isn't her delivery of the song, it's you subconsciously associating this style of music/singing with late-night saloon singers. Before diffusing your comment with "it isn't about race" take a moment to check your own biases.
It makes me so sad to see a lot of people writing hateful crap on this video. Toni was always one of my favs as a kid, and her voice is stunning here. Sure her over the top pop hand motions are a bit silly when seeing her in the Belle gown, but that doesn’t detract from her talent and stunning song.
I believe that Toni and Brandy, who did 'Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella', paved the way for Halle Bailey to play Ariel in the upcoming live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid'.
Sometimes the BEST choices are the ones that are totally unexpected, non-traditional, and defy conventions-THANK YOU Disney! Toni Braxton is an AMAZING talent was by far the BEST of the Disney Belles on Broadway.
@@ifluvinguiswrong its not comparing her to Whitney, its the holding "and I-" like both songs do. People do associate certain words with different songs you know?
I actually prefer Toni Braxton as Belle. She’s my favorite of them all. In the way Toni sings you can hear both the gorgeous voice and the emotions Belle has gone though. She brings a certain depth to the character. It also helps she is a beauty. 😊
I found my way here from a comment on the 30th anniversary celebration! I had no idea Toni had been Belle on Broadway and that A Change in Me was written for her! Previously I had only heard the version sung by Susan Egan. Toni did a great job and it's always exciting to see the different spin different performers will put on songs as they develop the character.
THIS SONG WAS LEGIT MADE FOR HER, THE ALAN MENKEN wrote this for her, so clearly she had impact on this story and character if they legit wrote this for her. Tell me how many times a composer adds a song to a Broadway show that’s already been running successfully for years, these negative comments hold no merit. You tell me how many composers are writing you a song?????? That’s what I thought, have a damn seat.
@@Trying2showSure. But it's the way she did it. With the flare and undulating hand movement. She's forever a sassy, sensual kitten, even when she isn't trying to be. She could have easily just risen her finger. Only Toni Braxton, the iconic vocalist she is, would give the extra bit.
I can't believe people are in the comments saying her voice wasn't suited for this musical when ....... it was obviously what the people who were in charge were looking for. this song was written and composed FOR HER... so obviously her vocal styling is going to be taken into consideration. It seems slightly mental to me to be upset about something that the people who were in charge of producing the show wanted. they wanted a new sound... a new voice... just say y'all hate black women and go. anyways toni ate down per usual muah
MaKiyah Smith, smartest thing anyone has said so far. As you said, the song was written for her so they would have taken into consideration her rich contralto or alto, not sure. But you explained it perfectly. And I loved it.
I agree! Toni has such a strong unique voice they had to change the key. But if you notice... they do that a lot on Broadway to accommodate all the different voices.
THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN DISNEY PRINCESS ! TIANA GO SIT DOWN SWEETIE! LOL QUEEN TONI IS THE ONE LOL LOL JK HAHAHAH THIS PERFORMANCE WAS SUBLIME!! MAGICAL CAPTIVATING AND AWE INSPIRING!!!! #teamToniBraxtonForever
Wow I learned something new, I didn't know this song was written for her.... This changes a lot. Because I usually hear the straight version and enjoy it but hearing it like this makes me think that this song is more accessible than I once considered.
This is what toni meant when she said she wanted to do other things in her career but she couldn't because she felt like she always had to include her sisters
Deep down your hearts, u negative people, u know this is a great song and Toni sang very well, wow, really gave me goose bumps, i really cannot get used to Toni's voice. its just too amazing, she is in her own league, lol, who still compares Toni's voice with other artists, really now? Only haters, lol, she can do and sing whatever she wants....she's Toni Braxton bitch.......This song was specially written for her, meaning she could sing however she wanted as along as it fits and it did fit perfectly.....wow, il keep it on repeat, i'm inlove with this song and voice
WELL TO ALL OF THE CRITICS ON THIS PAGE EVIDENTLY THE PEOPLE WHO HIRED TONY BRAXTON TO DO BROADWAY WERE VERY PLEASED WITH HER AUDITION OR THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CASTED HER FOR THE PART. SO YOUR OPINIONS ARE WORTHLESS UNLESS YOU DO THE HIRING FOR BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. JUST SAYIN'!!!!
Patty Scott exactly. I went to the show and it was phenomenal. These so called critics watch a UA-cam clip and act as if they bought a ticket for this broadway show.
Unfortunately you're wrong. She did not audition for the show, the production show practically BEGGED for her to join and gave her many accommodations just for her to join the show. She was given the role, hardly had to do any work except being placed into the role in rehearsal and learning choreography.
THIS SINGING IS BEAUTIFUL. IF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH IT, I DON'T SEE IT. I CLOSE MY EYES AND FEEL THE MOOD HER VOICE CREATED AND WHEN I OPEN MY EYES TONI IS A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT, I LOVED IT !
People who actually went to see her as Belle were more than impressed (sorry, not the commenters from here on youtube) and talks highly of Toni's vocals and acting skills, they say she made history.. so sad and jealous I was not there, judging from this obviously I would have fainted........Toni is everything
A lot of Broadway singers struggle to convey the authentic emotions and end up defaulting to vocal technique. Toni is TELLING A STORY.
well said
Her voice may not fit the typical Broadway "Disney" sound expected from Belle, but there's no denying that it's absolutely beautiful.
Hana correct 👍🏾
She is AWESOME 💯👌🏾
Because she didn't sound like a white woman oops
@@SolangeLOLable That part!
That part
this song was added to the musical just for her
***** why the all caps...
Really, why?
oda soy marujillo Toni Braxton was hesitant about playing Belle so Alan Menken and Tim Rice wrote that song for her. Rice promised he would write her a new song if she agreed to play Belle.
Her voice is so unique when you hear her you know exactly who it is. Powerful.
Toni is so beautiful. I love her. Her voice is like an angel. She is a goddess. I bow to her sincerely. Love her so much. Wish her all the best.
💯
I love her version. It gives it a different arrangement and its wonderfully sang. She's a wonderful singer
It was written for her.
@@ON-ck9eo lmao “different arrangement”
No matter what people think of Toni's portrayal of Belle, I'm glad she was cast, because thanks to that casting we got this amazing song. I can't imagine the musical without it. It's my favourite 'new' song written for the musical.
I saw her as Belle on Broadway not knowing what to expect. As it turned out, she was fantastic. The thing that impressed me the most was how she toned down her tendency to embellish the melodies in her R&B recordings and sang the melodies as written with some judicious additions. I didn’t know that she was as good a musician as she showed in her performance. I saw B&TB with 5 different Belles and she was the best.
SAY THIS! Toni is an illustrious, queen goddess singer.
hey, you're sooo lucky! I would do anything to watch this musical, specially with Toni in the role of Belle!! 💕✨
2:37 reminded me of Whitney a bit. That tone! Toni ate this up! She fit perfectly in this song! Every choice she made felt so intentional and felt so emotional. I felt every word! The growl even felt raw and guttural and made belle even more real for me! The control she showed here was masterful!
It does sound similar to Whitney's B4 yet less powerful.
1st african american playing Belle...and ppl expect her to sing and perform like a white woman.This performance was pure gold
Exactly, why would people expect her to sing like a white woman, tho I don't really like her acting but still she's really good
oh shut up, what the hell do you know
+Lisa Layne what do you know?
Her voice is suited for Broadway, just not this musical. It would work great in Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, or almost any modern musical.
She also played in Aida
IDC this is my queen! look how much she looks like a princess.
Agree💯💯💯
Have any of the people who are saying her tone isn't what you would expect for Belle heard the timbre of all the other Belles? They all had rich warm full voices that were different from the norm. Literally, every Belle on Broadway has had a really unique and unusual voice and Toni as Belle is no different. She has all the qualities of a Belle Voice plus the virtuosity of a pop vocalist which just allows her to add so many colors to the delivery. While I am more partial to an acting approach as a musical theater performer, I understand that pop singing is more about conveying emotion through the use of the voice as an instrument (riffing, tone, pronunciation of words, deviations from the melody) and I see Toni doing that masterfully here.
Also, because it's been so normalized you may not have known, but saying that she has bad diction, or that the riffing has no place in a Disney musical, or sexualizing the way she is singing the song ("Belle's a countryside girl from a fairy-tale, not a late-night singer at the saloon.") is racist and shows ignorance and a basic lack of understanding of anything outside of white mainstream culture and the cultural degradation of black art. The problem Isn't her delivery of the song, it's you subconsciously associating this style of music/singing with late-night saloon singers. Before diffusing your comment with "it isn't about race" take a moment to check your own biases.
This was on her 31st birthday! I love you Toni!!!
I really wasn't crazy about this song until I heard it from her!
Absolutely beautiful!
Her version is the original one.
She sung this song beautifully! Her tone, control and power from beginning to the end was amazing.
It was AMAZING. The sensuous belting, the control, the sexual power, NO ONE else could have done it.
I can't accept the hate on here! Toni was great!
It makes me so sad to see a lot of people writing hateful crap on this video. Toni was always one of my favs as a kid, and her voice is stunning here. Sure her over the top pop hand motions are a bit silly when seeing her in the Belle gown, but that doesn’t detract from her talent and stunning song.
I come back to this beautiful performance every once in a while. Gorgeous ballad! Toni is my queen
I believe that Toni and Brandy, who did 'Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella', paved the way for Halle Bailey to play Ariel in the upcoming live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid'.
Don't forget Diana Ross as Dorothy.
@@Mrgokujr2012or Stephanie mills also in the role of dorothy in the wiz
Sometimes the BEST choices are the ones that are totally unexpected, non-traditional, and defy conventions-THANK YOU Disney! Toni Braxton is an AMAZING talent was by far the BEST of the Disney Belles on Broadway.
I remember watching this when it originally aired, it always stuck with me because her pitch and tone were so beautiful.
Toni's voice was Studio ready ! Wow 🎤
Just Beautiful 💞
Omg i love this woman , definitely ny all time celebrity crush ❤
I keep thinking she's about to say "I will always love you"
That's the exact thing I thought the first time I heard this song. I kept waiting for the huge Whitney belt. The interval's the same.
same lol
Anthony J Koehler, why? She's not Whitney.
@@ifluvinguiswrong its not comparing her to Whitney, its the holding "and I-" like both songs do. People do associate certain words with different songs you know?
I actually prefer Toni Braxton as Belle. She’s my favorite of them all. In the way Toni sings you can hear both the gorgeous voice and the emotions Belle has gone though. She brings a certain depth to the character. It also helps she is a beauty. 😊
Exactly.
I thought this was amazing! I can't believe I didn't hear this before today!
I found my way here from a comment on the 30th anniversary celebration! I had no idea Toni had been Belle on Broadway and that A Change in Me was written for her! Previously I had only heard the version sung by Susan Egan. Toni did a great job and it's always exciting to see the different spin different performers will put on songs as they develop the character.
Me too
This was on Toni's 31st birthday!
THIS SONG WAS LEGIT MADE FOR HER, THE ALAN MENKEN wrote this for her, so clearly she had impact on this story and character if they legit wrote this for her. Tell me how many times a composer adds a song to a Broadway show that’s already been running successfully for years, these negative comments hold no merit. You tell me how many composers are writing you a song?????? That’s what I thought, have a damn seat.
You tell 'em!
The tone, the depth, the emotion, the signature runs... and can we talk about whatever diva legendary thing she does at 2:00?! 😍
I'm weak. She did that!
She told the pianist to go up a key higher
@@Trying2showSure. But it's the way she did it. With the flare and undulating hand movement. She's forever a sassy, sensual kitten, even when she isn't trying to be. She could have easily just risen her finger. Only Toni Braxton, the iconic vocalist she is, would give the extra bit.
Lovely Performance & Beautiful Humming at 3:53!!!
#ToniB
25 years later and this is still amazing.
Beautifully done, Toni! :-)
I can't believe people are in the comments saying her voice wasn't suited for this musical when ....... it was obviously what the people who were in charge were looking for. this song was written and composed FOR HER... so obviously her vocal styling is going to be taken into consideration. It seems slightly mental to me to be upset about something that the people who were in charge of producing the show wanted. they wanted a new sound... a new voice... just say y'all hate black women and go.
anyways toni ate down per usual muah
MaKiyah Smith, smartest thing anyone has said so far. As you said, the song was written for her so they would have taken into consideration her rich contralto or alto, not sure. But you explained it perfectly. And I loved it.
I agree! Toni has such a strong unique voice they had to change the key. But if you notice... they do that a lot on Broadway to accommodate all the different voices.
Ate the plate and the fork
WOW she sounds beautiful.
I LOVE TONI BRAXTON
Beautiful voice, Beautiful performance.
Wow she sounds absolutely beautiful
this is lovely. Toni looks gorgeous
THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN DISNEY PRINCESS ! TIANA GO SIT DOWN SWEETIE! LOL QUEEN TONI IS THE ONE LOL LOL JK HAHAHAH THIS PERFORMANCE WAS SUBLIME!! MAGICAL CAPTIVATING AND AWE INSPIRING!!!! #teamToniBraxtonForever
That was beautiful!! Go head Toni
Toni sung this as if she was the goddess of mellow and sensuous song. She looked amazing, and she did what she was supposed to.
OH I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PERFORMANCE!!!
Wow I learned something new, I didn't know this song was written for her.... This changes a lot. Because I usually hear the straight version and enjoy it but hearing it like this makes me think that this song is more accessible than I once considered.
I don't think this song was written for her.
I just heard what they said at the beginning of the video. If not I mean still it's amusing, how she changed it for herself.
+Preston Busby It was written for her. Her contract stated that she had to have more screen time so this song was added to meet that requirement.
@@busbypre then do a little reading. The song was written especially for her no matter what you believe.
This is what toni meant when she said she wanted to do other things in her career but she couldn't because she felt like she always had to include her sisters
Que emoción recordar que pude disfrutar en vivo y en directo de esta Obra en Broadway...., Saludos desde Chile.
:O
amazing!!!
Toni and Trina favor a lot in this interview
Deep down your hearts, u negative people, u know this is a great song and Toni sang very well, wow, really gave me goose bumps, i really cannot get used to Toni's voice. its just too amazing, she is in her own league, lol, who still compares Toni's voice with other artists, really now? Only haters, lol, she can do and sing whatever she wants....she's Toni Braxton bitch.......This song was specially written for her, meaning she could sing however she wanted as along as it fits and it did fit perfectly.....wow, il keep it on repeat, i'm inlove with this song and voice
WELL TO ALL OF THE CRITICS ON THIS PAGE EVIDENTLY THE PEOPLE WHO HIRED TONY BRAXTON TO DO BROADWAY WERE VERY PLEASED WITH HER AUDITION OR THEY WOULD NOT HAVE CASTED HER FOR THE PART. SO YOUR OPINIONS ARE WORTHLESS UNLESS YOU DO THE HIRING FOR BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. JUST SAYIN'!!!!
Patty Scott exactly. I went to the show and it was phenomenal. These so called critics watch a UA-cam clip and act as if they bought a ticket for this broadway show.
Unfortunately you're wrong. She did not audition for the show, the production show practically BEGGED for her to join and gave her many accommodations just for her to join the show. She was given the role, hardly had to do any work except being placed into the role in rehearsal and learning choreography.
Tristen DiAngelo sure hun. you clearly know how the business runs 🤡
@@tristendiangelo8910 this is true
@@tristendiangelo8910 so once again… they really wanted her because they loved her version
Beautiful!
WOW!!! She Sang! So Lovely ~
beautiful ... Make me cry always
I wish I could have seen this show on broadway
I wished she had recorded this
Toni Braxton, Brandy, Anika Noni Rose, and Halle Bailey: The Black Disney Princesses👑😍
Brandy’s Cinderella isn’t Disney but sure
@@conr1633 they sure did play it every third Tuesday of every month for 13 years 😂
Yes! That voice!!!!
i liveeeed for the strip down tease. that song was just gorgeous my god
Demasiada voz para Disney, Bravo Toni Braxton😘😘😘😷😷😷
Toni! This is a G rated show! But the face Rosie made when she popped off the big dress. 😂🤣😭
THIS SINGING IS BEAUTIFUL. IF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH IT, I DON'T SEE IT. I CLOSE MY EYES AND FEEL THE MOOD HER VOICE CREATED AND WHEN I OPEN MY EYES TONI IS A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT, I LOVED IT !
TELL THE TRUTH True. Love her voice it's like breath of fresh air. Her voice is so unique so smooth.
Not a typical Broadway vocal performance but still absolutely beautiful!
Anyways who cares about the typical Broadway performance. Her’s was better.
She sounds beautiful and looks stunning. She is the perfect Belle!
Gorgeous performance
Dang I was 10months old when this came out now I’m 20 time fly’s ❤️
beautiful
Beautiful just like her
PERFECTION!💜💜💜💜💜😍😍😍😍😍
She was perfect as belle and the first black women to play her my mom herd this she burst
Clarence Hudson exactly. I went and is was phenomenal
Sing Toni!
Toni's dress she reveals (post stripping) was actually her finale Dress in the show.
this is so pretty wow 🥀💛
awesome performance. it would be nice to see janet jackson play the role as Belle. she would be stunning
She would have to sing. Thats the problem
gospelevans LMAOOOOOOO
She's so perfect ♥
This is true this is try but I'll always be Toni braxton let me so u lol 4:35
Siiiiigh :) she's so beautiful though. My favourite voice to date 💝
Versátil ! Magistral !👏💖
❤️❤️❤️❤️ Toni does no wrong !!
Amazing, The Best Belle and gave woman of color a voice in broadway
No, I’m sorry, Toni is the official Belle from now on….. I’m so sorry to other belles out there but, Toni just ate y’all up and left ZERO crumbs.
TONI! G-RATED SHOW! xD
1:17 that hand movement though xD
She was telling the pianist to step up an octave in a very divaish way
Toni has handsome sons
When I first saw the clip I thought she was singing I will always love you by Whitney Houston lol
It was composed to sort of evoke that from what i‘ve read n heard
On her birthday
ameiiiiiiiiiiiii'
Rosie was enjoying that strip tease lol...shit I don't blame her.
🎵🎶
@ 0:29 Begin
This was the time Disney on Broadway tried to tap to the black audience by also casting Mishack Tayler as Lumierre in this show as well.
Who has the entire show
Toni is my favorite singer but think i prefer a beltier, more soaring voice.
I knew she could sing but not like this
I knew something was up w that dress!
I am so WEAK when she started stripping @ 4:36 :-D
Damn she is fine!
That was a refreshing strip tease!
who thought this was a good idea
Stunt casting anyone?